Tempting your Taste Buds with Three Days in Kelowna: Day One

I was in Kelowna a couple of weeks ago, you know. Actually, I’ve spent quite a bit of time there lately, and am heading there again in a couple of days – but the trip I’m taking about was with a lovely little group of FBC members, a trip we were so lucky to be treated to by Tourism Kelowna.
We ate, we drank, and we learned all about the area and all of the deliciousness it has to offer. We met farmers, beekeepers, cheese makers, and winemakers, and each of them inspired me to, well, become a farmer/beekeeper/cheese maker/winemaker {Seriously. There’s a good chance that one day you’ll see me in the Okanagan, rocking a pair of overalls, glass of wine in hand, digging, planting, and doing general farmer-esque things. Note to self: learn more accurate farmer duties}.

Farmer dreams aside, Kelowna is easily one of the most beautiful places in Canada, and if you’re planning a trip there in the future, you most definitely have to check out all of these fabulous spots; just make sure you arrive hungry and thirsty – your taste buds are in for a treat.

First up, Okanagan Spirits. It’s a local distillery that makes some of the smoothest, unique spirits and liqueurs you’ll ever get your hands on, and a tasting is an absolute must. If you’re interested in liqueurs, the Blackcurrant and Sea Buckthorn are delightful; and if you’re more of a spirits person, just, well, try all of them. The whiskey {which could technically be classified as bourbon} and gin are great. I’m not even a gin-lover and I’d happily sit down to a tumbler of that on the rocks.

After all that morning booze {when in Rome, right? Right.} we headed to Salted Brick for a little sustenance. Little isn’t the right word. We headed to Salted Brick for a feast. Charcuterie galore. Cheese. Blue cheese and dates. A slow-roasted brisket sandwich that puts all other sandwiches to shame. Olives and a variety of pickled goodies that were almost too pretty to eat {don’t worry, we got over that quickly}. One piece of advice: go there with a group, order one of everything, and try it all. Yum.

Next on the agenda: pastry classes at Sandrine French Pastry & Chocolate. We learned how to make Tarte Tatin and Crème Brulee, but Sandrine offers a ton of different classes on a regular basis – so if you’re more into learning how to make something more along the lines of macarons, cream puff pastry, or even chocolate, you’re in luck. Plus you get to wear a cute white jacket {priorities, eh?}.

To finish up our first day, we headed to Smack DAB restaurant at Manteo Resort right along the edge Lake Okanagan, where we proceeded to eat everything in sight. Teriyaki glazed ribs, Korean chicken wings, prawn tacos, spicy Korean beef tacos, Margherita flatbread, and, of course, dessert. Ice cream sundaes, cheesecake, and apple pie, to name a few.

So there you go. One day of eating and drinking in Kelowna. Take a minute to digest it {ugh… I am the worst.} and then we’ll get on to day two, okay? Okay. Bon appetit!